Subject Area: Signage
INTRODUCTION
This recommended revision provides specific regulations by sign type and clarifies important distinctions between similar sign types, such as flags and flag signs. “REDLINE” VERSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section 17.84.030 is amended as follows:
17.84.030 Specific Regulations by Sign Type.
A. Purpose and Intent.The purpose of this section is to identify the specific sign standards relating to sign type, sign size, number of signs, height of signs, location of signs, general provisions and the Sign Permits required.
B. General Notes.The following general notes shall apply to all signs listed in the following matrix, unless otherwise indicated:
1. Signs that require Administrative or Discretionary Sign Permits are indicated in the following matrix. Other sign characteristics besides those indicated in the following matrix may also require administrative or discretionary review.
2. Signs may be governed by other sections of this code and those sections shall also apply. If there is a conflict in regulations, the most restrictive shall apply.
3. Change of copy to an existing sign that is identical in sign area, sign size, sign type, location and materials requires an Administrative Sign Permit.
4. Any change to an existing sign other than a change of copy as defined above requires compliance with the provisions of this chapter. For removal of signs, refer to Section 17.84.020(H), Removal of Signs, of this chapter.
5. All temporary signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way unless otherwise authorized by this chapter.
6. All signs listed, unless exempt from both Administrative and Discretionary Sign Permits, will count towards the total allowable sign area.
7. For Master Sign Programs, see Section 17.84.020(G), Master Sign Program, of this chapter.
8. For size of signs, see Section 17.84.020(D), Sign Area Allowed, of this chapter.
9. For height of signs, see Section 17.84.020(E), Computation for Sign Height, of this chapter.
10. For signs overhanging the public right-of-way, see Section 17.84.030(E), Permanent Signs Encroaching into Public Right-of-Way, of this chapter.
11. For sign exceptions, see Section 17.16.260, Sign Exception Permits, of this title.
Attachment 6
12. Fascia signs cannot extend more than 18 inches above the lower edge of a sloping roof.
13. Unless otherwise permitted pursuant to this chapter, no person shall display or cause to be displayed any sign on, within or over any public street or right-ofway or public property in the City.
14. Unless otherwise permitted pursuant to this chapter, no person shall display or cause to be displayed any sign on, within or over any private property in the City without the written consent of the owner, lessee or other person lawfully in possession of the property.
15. Except as expressly permitted or authorized in this chapter, all other signs are prohibited within the City.
16. Any non-commercial message may be substituted for the copy on any commercial sign that is allowed under the municipal code.
Table 17.84.030A
Matrix of Sign Types
Sign Type Maximum
Number of
Signs
Permitted
Maximum
Size per
Sign
Maximum
Height
per Sign
Sign Permits
Required
Other Special
Considerations
These are
special
considerations
required for the
specific type of
sign proposed.
Address Signs 2 per unit 4 sq. ft. — None Character
Height Max:
Res: 8 in. NonRes: 1 ft.
Ancillary
Service Signs
5 per
business
2 sq. ft. per
sign
— None Ancillary service
signs must be
affixed to
building, wall,
window.
Animated
Signs
Prohibited
Arcade Signs — 64 sq. ft.
outside an
Architectural
Overlay
District, less
than 25 sq. ft.
within an
— Adm. Sign
Permit
Sign must
provide
minimum of 8 ft.
clearance
between bottom
of sign and
sidewalk.
Architectural
Overlay
District
— Between 25
sq. ft. and 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
Overlay
District
— Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
ATM Signs 2 5 sq. ft. per
ATM
— Adm. Sign
Permit, in
conjunction
with Building
Permit
Signs permitted
on ATM
machine only
and may be
lighted.
Awning signs — 64 sq. ft.
outside and
Architectural
Overlay
District, less
than 25 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
— Adm. Sign
Permit
Sign must
provide
minimum of 8 ft.
clearance
between bottom
of sign and
sidewalk.
Between 25
sq. ft. and 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
Balloon Signs Prohibited
Temporary
Banner Signs
One per
business
64 sq. ft. — Adm. Sign
Permit
See Section
17.84.030(H)
for criteria
Bed and
Breakfast
Signs: Within
a Residential
Zone
Refer to Section 17.28.090, Bed and Breakfast Inns, of this title Bed and
Breakfast
Signs: Outside
a Residential
Zone
Refer to specific sign type proposed
Blade Signs One (1) per
tenant street
and
pedestrian
way frontage;
no more than
two (2) per
tenant (See
Section
17.84.030(G))
Six (6)
square feet
Fifteen (15)
feet from
ground to the
top of sign
Adm. Sign
Permit
See Section
17.84.030(G)
for Criteria
Blinking,
Flashing Signs
Prohibited
Business
Directory
Signs
1 freestanding
sign per
street
frontage
Freestanding
sign: 24 sq. ft
6 ft. Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permits
for wall
mounted
business
directory
signs 25 to 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Nameplates
indicating only
the tenant and
suite are
exempt from
these
requirements.
Residential
directory signs
are exempt
from this
requirement.
1 wall sign
per public
entrance into
building
Wall sign: 64
sq. ft.
—
Canopy Signs — 64 sq. ft.
outside an
Architectural
Overlay
District, less
than 25 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
— Adm. Sign
Permit
Sign must
provide
minimum of 8 ft.
clearance
between bottom
of sign and
sidewalk.
Between 25
sq. ft. and 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
— Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
Overlay
District
Channel Letter
Signs
Refer to wall sign standards
Commercial
Mascot Signs
Prohibited
Construction
Signs
1 per street
frontage
12 sq. ft.
within a
residential
zone
24 sq. ft.
within a
nonreside
ntial zone
4 ft. within
a
residential
zone
6 ft. within
a
nonresidential zone
None Signage may
only be
displayed when
building
permits are
active for the
construction
project.
Directional
Signs
— — — None Cannot contain
advertising.
Drive-Up
Menu Board
Signs for
Drive-Up Food
Service
2 per site 32 sq. ft. 6 feet Adm. Sign
Permit Menu
board signs
require a
Conditional
Use Permit
Menu board
and speakers
shall be
oriented away
from residential
uses and from
public right-ofway.
Fascia Signs — 64 sq. ft. — Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
for signs 25 to
64 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Flags 3 per site or
building
40 sq. ft. per
flag
Flag pole
may not
exceed the
height of the
zone in which
it is located
None Flag pole may
require a
Building Permit.
Flag Signs 1 per site or
building
40 sq. ft. per
flag sign
Flag pole
may not
exceed the
height of the
zone in which
it is located
Adm. Sign
Permit
Flag signs shall
count towards
total sign area.
May only be
authorized
temporarily in
association with
an approved
temporary use
permit or
special event
Freestanding
Signs
Refer to specific sign type
FreewayOriented Signs Prohibited (regardless of size or height) FreewayVisible Sign As
determined
through the
Discretionary
Sign Permit
process
Consistent
with Section
17.84.020(D),
and subject
to the
Discretionary
Sign Permit
process
Consistent
with Section
17.84.020(D),
and subject
to the
Discretionary
Sign Permit
process
Discretionary
Sign Permit,
and
Administrative
Sign Permit
A Discretionary
Sign Permit is
required to
ensure that the
Freeway-Visible
Sign does not
become a
FreewayOriented Sign.
Garage Sale
Signs
1 per site 4 sq. ft. — None Must be posted
on site and
removed no
later than the
day after the
sale. No off-site
signs allowed.
Grand
Opening Signs
1 per site 4 sq. ft. — Adm. Sign
Permit
Will not count
toward banner
allowance
during calendar
year.
May be
displayed for a
maximum of 30
days.
The application
for a Temp.
Banner Permit
must
accompany a
new business
license
application or
new certificate
of occupancy.
Hand Held
Signs
Prohibited
Marquee
Signs
1 per building
frontage
64 sq. ft. The sign
shall not
exceed the
height of the
building upon
which the
sign is
located.
Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
for marquee
signs 25 to 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Marquee signs
may be allowed
for uses such
as
entertainment,
churches,
temples or other
similar uses that
require
interchangeable
copy.
Model Home
Complex
Signs
Determined
through the
Conditional
Use Permit
process for
model home
complex,
maximum 3
flags per
model
Determined
through the
Conditional
Use Permit
process
15 ft. for flag
signs
Adm. Sign
Permit
Signs must be
removed upon
buildout of
subdivision.
Signs for model
home complex
shall also
require a
Conditional Use
Permit.
Monument
Signs
1 monument
sign per
street
frontage. 1
additional
sign for sites
with more
than 150 ft. of
street
frontage
64 sq. ft. 10 ft. Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
for monument
signs which
are: over 6
feet in height
up to 10 feet,
over 24 sq. ft.
(per face) for
a singletenant
monument
sign, over 32
sq. ft. (per
face) for a
multi-tenant
monument
sign
Only 1 sign face
of a monument
sign shall count
towards overall
sign allowance
for site.
Moving,
Revolving
Signs
Prohibited
Mural Maximum of
one mural per
Mural area is
not to exceed
Shall not
exceed the
Mural Permit Materials or
paint shall be
legal parcel,
or one mural
per building,
whichever is
more
restrictive.
a single wall
plane.
maximum
height of the
zone or
exceed the
height of the
structure on
which it is
applied,
whichever is
more
restrictive
weatherproof or
resistant to
wear.
May only be
permitted in
non-residential
zones.
Shall not
include
integrated
illumination,
electrical, or
moving
components but
may be
illuminated by
non-integrated
light.
Permit expires
two years from
issuance, at
which time, a
new permit may
be obtained or
the mural
removed.
The mural shall
be properly
maintained
through repair,
paint. or any
necessary
treatment, so as
to prevent
decay.
Defective or
insufficient
weather
protection for
exterior
treatments and
facades,
including faded
paint or
materials and
graffiti, shall be
promptly
addressed, and
repaired or
stabilized to
prevent further
deterioration.
Noise Making
or Audible
Signs, Except
for Drive-Up
Menu Boards
Prohibited
Nonpermanent
Vehicle Signs,
Including
Semitrailers
Prohibited
Off-Site,
Billboard
Signs
Prohibited
Open House
Signs
1 sign on site
plus 5 off-site
directional
signs.
Maximum of
1 sign per
intersection
directing
traffic in same
direction
4 sq. ft. 4 ft. None Open house
sign shall be
allowed only
while the open
house is in
progress,
cannot remain
over night,
cannot be
affixed to any
public above
ground
structure (such
as utility poles)
cannot be
placed in the
public right-ofway and cannot
interfere with
traffic.
Permanent
Mounted
Vehicle Signs
1 per side, 2
sides
maximum
64 sq. ft. — None Sign must be
painted on the
vehicle and the
vehicle must be
licensed and
operable.
Project
Identification
Signs
Project
Identification
signs shall be
reviewed
through a
Discretionary
Sign Permit
process.
Residential
Permanent
Subdivision/
Apartment
Complex
(5 or more
units)/
Mobile home
park Signs
2 per
entrance from
public rightof-way
24 sq. ft. 6 ft. Adm. Sign
Permit
NonResidential 2 per
entrance from
public rightof-way
64 sq. ft. 6 ft. Adm. Sign
Permit
Pole Signs 1 per site 64 sq. ft. 15 ft. Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
Portable Signs Maximum of
1 sign per
business, and
a maximum 2
signs per
building for
multi-tenant
buildings
6 sq. ft. per
side, 2 sides
maximum
4 ft. for
portable
signs not
flush against
building. 6 ft.
for portable
signs flush
against the
building
Adm. Sign
Permit
Refer to
portable sign
Section
17.84.030(D),
Portable Signs.
Sign cannot
encroach into
public right-ofway.
Projecting
Signs
1 per
business
64 sq. ft. — Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
for signs 25 to
64 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Sign must
provide
minimum of 8 ft.
clearance
between bottom
of sign and
sidewalk.
Cannot project
more than 2 ft.
from wall to
which it is
affixed.
Real Estate
Signs:
Other than
Open
House Signs
1 per
building or
site
24 sq. ft. if
within a
commercial zone.
12 sq. ft. if
within a
residential
zone
Freestanding
sign: 6
feet
None Cannot be
lighted; must
be located onsite; sign
area of the real
estate
sign shall not
count
towards total
sign area
permitted for
the site.
Signage may
only be
displayed when
real
estate is
actively on
market for sale,
lease, or
rent.
Recycling
Facility Signs
Refer to Section 17.28.250, Recycling Facilities, of this title.
Roof-Mounted
Signs
Prohibited
Security Signs 1 per unit 2 sq. ft. — None
Service
Station Signs
Canopy sign:
2 signs
maximum
and 1 sign
maximum per
elevation
24 sq. ft. — Adm. Sign
Permit, and
Discretionary
Sign Permit
Price signs
regulated by
State.
Spanner sign:
1 per pump
island (may
be 2-sided)
24 sq. ft. —
Monument
sign: 1 per lot
frontage
32 sq. ft. 6 ft.
Pole sign: 1
per site
32 sq. ft. 15 ft.
Shingle Signs — 64 sq. ft.
outside an
Architectural
— Adm. Sign
Permit
Sign must
provide
minimum of 8 ft.
Overlay
District, less
than 25 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
clearance
between bottom
of sign and
sidewalk.
Between 25
sq. ft. and 64
sq. ft. within
an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Discretionary
Sign Permit
Snipe Signs Prohibited
Special Event
Signs
— — — Adm. Sign
Permit
Shall not be
installed 30
days prior to the
event, and shall
be removed
within 2 days
after event.
Cannot create a
traffic hazard.
Umbrella Sign — — 1′ copy Adm. Sign
Permit
Umbrellas shall
be made of fireretardant
material.
Copy area shall
not count
towards overall
sign area for
business and
site.
Wall Sign — 64 sq. ft. — Administrative
Sign Permit
Discretionary
Sign Permit
for signs 25 to
64 sq. ft.
within an
Architectural
Overlay
District
Wall signs must
be permanently
affixed to the
building.
Wind Driven
Signs
Prohibited
Window Sign
Under 25% of
Individual
Window
— Less than
25% of
individual
window
— None
Over 25% of
Individual
Window
— 64 sq. ft. — Administrative
Sign Permit
C. Portable Signs.Portable signs, excluding banner signs, shall be allowed for businesses subject to the following:
1. Design of Portable Signs.
a. The portable sign shall be hand-crafted in appearance. b. Acceptable materials may include, but not be limited to, metal, painted wood, plastic, ceramics, or other similar durable materials. Paper, light cloth, exposed or unpainted wood and particle board are prohibited. c. Portable signs cannot be lighted.
d. Portable signs shall be well maintained.
e. The sign area of a portable sign shall not count towards the total sign area permitted for business or building.
2. Location of Portable Signs.
a. Portable signs must be located immediately adjacent along the business storefront and in close proximity to the main public entrance of the business advertised.
b. At no time shall portable signs be placed within any landscaped area. c. The portable sign must be able to be easily carried and transported, not permanently affixed to the street, sidewalk, wall, awning, public fixtures, or other similar public improvements.
d. The portable sign may remain outside only during those hours the business is open.
e. The portable sign shall be located outside the public right-of-way. f. The portable sign cannot interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking.
g. The portable sign cannot pose a safety threat.
D. Permanent Signs Encroaching into Public Right-of-Way.The following permanent sign types may be allowed to encroach into the public right-of-way when all of the following standards are complied with:
1. Maximum Encroachment.
Table 17.84.030B
Maximum Encroachments of Permanent
Signs into the Public Right-of-Way
Sign Type Maximum Encroachment into Public Right-of-Way Arcade 24″
Awning 48″
Canopy 48″
Shingle 24″
Fascia 12″
Marquee 12″
Projecting 24″
Wall 12″
2. The sign must be permanently affixed to the building it serves.
3. The sign shall not create a traffic hazard for pedestrians or vehicles.
4. The sign shall not extend beyond the edge of sidewalk or curb adjacent to the street.
5. The sign shall maintain a minimum of eight feet vertical clearance between the sidewalk and bottom of the sign.
6. The owner of the sign encroaching into the public right-of-way shall be required to enter into an agreement with the City that indemnifies the City from all liability associated with the sign that encroaches.
7. For temporary banners over the public right-of-way refer to temporary banner sign policy.
E. Temporary Signs.
1. Unpermitted Temporary Signs Found in the Right-of-Way. Any unpermitted temporary sign found to be on or over any public street or right-of-way shall promptly be removed and confiscated by the designated official of the City. If a confiscated temporary sign advertises or relates to a specific event, the City will retain it for 10 days after the event ends. If the sign does not advertise or relate to a specific event, the City will retain it for 45 days from the date of confiscation.
2. A sign's owner or the sign owner's agent may reclaim a confiscated sign by paying a storage fee to the City of $10.00 per sign. The person reclaiming the sign must sign a receipt indicating that the person is either the owner or the owner's agent. Any sign not reclaimed by the end of the applicable retention period will be destroyed.
F. Signs on Vacant or Unimproved Property.Before placing a sign on vacant or unimproved property, each of the following must be satisfied:
1. The sign owner must file with the City Clerk a written form signed by the owner, lessee, or other person lawfully in possession of the property consenting in writing to the placement of the sign and agreeing to be responsible for removal within the applicable time period; and
2. The sign must be located a minimum of three feet behind the sidewalk or, if no sidewalk exists, a minimum of eight feet behind the back of the curb or edge of the roadway; and
3. If the sign relates to a specific event, the sign must be removed within three days after the event ends; and
4. The sign must comply with all other design criteria established by this code.
G. Blade Signs.Blade signs shall be allowed for businesses in the A-O District subject to the following criteria:
1. Design of Blade Signs.
a. The blade sign shall be hand-crafted in appearance.
b. Three dimensional blade signs are encouraged.
c. Acceptable sign materials may include, but not be limited to, metal, painted wood, plastic, ceramics, or other similar durable materials. Paper, light cloth, exposed or unpainted wood and particle board are prohibited. d. Sign supports, brackets and standards shall be made of wood and/or wrought iron. They may be painted or carved.
e. Blade signs shall have a maximum thickness of not more than six inches. f. Blade signs shall be well maintained.
g. The sign area of a blade sign shall not count towards the total sign area permitted for business or building providing all existing signage is in conformance with the Sign Code.
h. Blade signs meeting the design criteria of this section may be added to buildings which are subject to a Master Sign Program, per Section
17.84.020(G), and shall not require modification or amendment to such Master Sign Program, so long as the Master Sign Program has been implemented and all existing signs on the building are in accordance with that Master Sign Program.
i. Blade signs shall not be illuminated except as provided for in other discretionary processes.
2. Location of Blade Signs.
a. A total of two blade signs per tenant shall be permitted, although only one blade sign shall be permitted per tenant street frontage; the other shall be permitted per tenant frontage along a pedestrian way, arcade, paseo or courtyard, all of which must be internal to the project. b. A blade sign must provide a minimum of eight-foot clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground.
c. A blade sign may project a maximum of four feet from the wall of a building.
H. Temporary Banner Signs.Temporary Banner Signs shall be allowed for businesses city-wide, excluding home-occupations.
1. Temporary Banner Sign Criteria.
a. Each business shall be permitted a maximum of one temporary banner sign per business at any given time.
b. The temporary banner sign cannot exceed 64 square feet. A temporary banner sign will not count towards a business's total sign area allowance. c. The temporary banner sign shall be placed on-site and flush on the building. These banners are prohibited in the following locations: city rightof-way, free-standing walls, fences or other areas or fixtures not part of the business's primary structure; other locations as determined by the City Planner to be inconsistent with the intent of this section. No portion of the temporary banner sign shall be free-hanging and all corners of the banner shall be secured to the building.
d. Temporary banner signs shall be constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other similar durable material.
e. The temporary banner sign shall be maintained in good condition, free of any defects, including cracking, torn or ripped material, or faded copy. f. Each business may have up to four permits per calendar year. Each permit allows the display of a banner sign up to 30 calendar days.
Renewals of permits are allowed, but in no case shall a business display a temporary banner for more than 120 days per calendar year. Banners may be replaced during the authorized period so long as they are the same or smaller size and installed in the approved location. These provisions are to ensure temporary banner signs are not used as permanent display or inlieu of permanent signs for the business.